Vibrating exercise device for assisting stretching

ABSTRACT

An exercise device for assisting stretching exercises, which includes a stretch support frame and a vibrator. The stretch support frame is configured to define a plurality of fixed leverage points for engagement by a user to perform stretching exercises. The vibrator is operatively connected to the stretch support frame to vibrate the frame such that vibrations are transferred from the frame to the user when the user engages one or more of said leverage points to increase the efficacy of the stretching exercises.

The present invention relates to a physical exercise device and in particular a vibrating exercise device for assisting the stretching of muscles.

It is widely recognised that stretching prior to physical exercise, or generally, can help to increase the flexibility and range of motion of joints and muscles, and prevent injury. However, stretching is a frequently overlooked aspect of physical preparation for exercise. Reasons include a common lack of knowledge regarding the types and benefits of stretching, as well as the time required to perform a suitable stretching routine. A comprehensive and effective stretching routine may take between 15 to 20 minutes to perform. However, with an average gym or fitness club user typically spending around 45 minutes to 1 hour exercising per visit, an additional 15 to 20 minutes for stretching can be viewed as an undesirably long period of time.

To encourage stretching as part of a balanced exercise program, it is common for gyms to provide “stretching stations”. A stretching station typically comprises a frame having frame members arranged to provide fixed leverage points against which a user may stretch a variety of different muscles. While such stretch stations provide a convenient means of assisting stretching, the type of stretches which may be performed, and the time taken to perform the stretches do not differ from traditional methods.

It is already widely acknowledged within the fitness industry that muscle and joint vibration is beneficial during exercise, and there are a wide range of free-standing vibration units incorporating a vibrating base plate on which the user sits, stands or lies while performing normal exercise routines.

Research also indicates vibration of limbs, joints and muscle groups speeds up the effects of stretching when the vibration is applied at the same time as the stretching routines are performed, normally prior to normal exercise. By transferring vibrations to the user while they are engaged with the support frame performing a stretch, the user's muscles are caused to involuntarily relax during the stretch. As such, the efficacy of the muscle stretching exercise is advantageously improved, as well as the time taken for the stretch to be performed effectively being significantly reduced.

However, there are concerns within the fitness industry that vibration applied directly through in particular the whole body from a vibration base plate may be detrimental to health. Standing on a vibrating base plate causes the vibrations to travel through the entire body, and it is believed that the resulting vibration of various body organs, and in particular the eyes, can be hazardous.

By way of example U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,431 describes a device upon which a user stands and sits and which expands to stretch a user's legs apart. The device additionally includes a vibrating to vibrate the device and user. U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,055 and Japanese patent application JP2009-153613 describes apparatus from which a uses hangs or is suspended additionally including a vibrating device. These arrangements however tend to, as identified, undesirably vibrate the whole body. In addition they either stretch the hole body or just the legs providing a single arrangement for engaging a user, and are dedicated to a single type of stretching of a user.

SU 990243 describes a further device for stretching a user's legs in performing ‘the splits’. This includes a first platform upon which a users stands and a second platform upon which a user places their leg. The first platform is moveably mounted to move away from the first stretching a user's legs. A vibrator is connected to a frame supporting both platforms, and vibrates to as described provide an anaesthetic effect. It appears that both platforms are vibrated, by virtue of the common connection, thereby vibrating the whole of a user's body. In addition and as with the other examples, the device including the single platforms is dedicated to a single exercise and stretch of a user's legs. Furthermore, and as with U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,431, the device specifically an essential includes moveable platforms parts for stretching a user. This adds complexity to the device and may be undesirable as a user cannot voluntarily control the stretching themselves, and with these devices being forcibly stretch by the powered movement of the platforms supporting a user.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved exercise device for assisting stretching which addresses the above described problems, and/or which offers improvements generally.

According to the present invention there is provided an exercise device for assisting a user to stretch their muscles as described in the accompanying claims.

In an aspect of the invention there is provided an exercise device for assisting stretching exercises. The device comprises a stretch support frame and a vibrator. The stretch support frame is configured to define a plurality of fixed leverage points for engagement by a user to perform stretching exercises. The vibrator is operatively connected to the stretch support frame to vibrate the frame such that vibrations are transferred from the frame to the user when the user engages one or more of said leverage points to increase the efficacy of the stretching exercises.

The vibration transmitted from the stretch frame causes the muscle to involuntarily relax, thereby enabling an improved stretch, and reducing the time required for said stretch. Furthermore, operatively connecting the vibrator to the stretch support frame, and transmitting vibrations directly from the frame to the user, enables the vibrations to be specifically and directly targeted and transferred from the stretch support frame to the muscle group or limbs that are being stretched. This mitigates the effect of vibration on the user's organs during the stretching exercises, as compared for example to a vibration plate arrangement in which vibrations are transmitted through the user's entire body, causing damage to organs such as eyes. The frame providing multiple leverage points allows a user to engage different parts of the body with the device and frame in a wide variety of different ways. This provides a flexible stretch device for performing many differ stretching exercises. Indeed with this arrangement a user can selectively engage different limbs, with vibration being selectively only transmitted to the specific limbs engaging the frame.

The vibrator may be mounted to the stretch support frame. The stretch support frame may comprise a base, and the vibrator may be mounted to the stretch support frame such that it is vertically spaced from the base. Mounting the vibrator to the stretch support frame provides a compact and space saving configuration, and also enables the vibrator to be directly engaged with the stretch support frame. In addition, mounting the vibrator in such a way that it is vertically spaced from the base ensures the vibrator is closer to the point of application and also isolates the vibration from the base.

The base may comprise a base plate for supporting the user during the stretching exercises. The base plate may be vibrationally isolated from the stretch support frame, and may comprise a vibration damper for vibrationally isolating said base plate from the stretch support frame. Vibrationally isolating the base plate from the support frame ensures that vibrations are not transmitted through the base upwardly into and through the user's body, thereby protecting the user's organs from damage.

The stretch support frame preferably comprises a plurality of stretch support members ergonomically arranged at a plurality of different vertical positions and/or horizontal positions and/or orientations to define the plurality of leverage points. As such, a wide range of different stretches may be performed by selecting different leverage points or combinations of leverage points to stretch against.

The exercise device may further comprise a controller for selectively varying the frequency and/or magnitude and/or period of vibration of the vibrator. As such, the vibration of the stretch frame may be varied to suit the size and/or age of the user, the type and/or intensity of stretching exercise to be performed and/or the length of time required for the stretching exercise.

The stretch support frame may comprise a stretch frame section defining said plurality of leverage points and a structural support frame section connected to and supporting said stretch frame section. The structural support section comprises the main body of the stretch support frame, and supports the stretch frame section such that it is able to vibrate freely.

Preferably the stretch frame section is releasably connected to the structural support frame section and is selectively interchangeable with a plurality of alternative stretch frame sections each defining a different arrangement of leverage points. The stretch support frame thereby comprises a modular construction, including a universal support frame section and an interchangeable stretch frame section. This enables the stretch frame section to be selected to correspond to a specific stretching exercise programme such that the exercise device may be tailored to suit a specific sport or training regime. The modular arrangement enables the main body of the exercise device defined by the structural support section to be mass produced while the interchangeable frame sections may be manufactured in a more bespoke manner according to specific customer requirements.

The vibrator may be mounted to the structural support frame section. In addition, the vibrator may be releasably connectable to the stretch frame section. As such, the vibrator may be provided as part of the universal support frame section, and the interchangeable stretch frame section may be selectively disconnected from the structural support section to be replaced by an alternative stretch frame section. A clamp may be provided for releasably connecting the vibrator to the stretch frame section.

The stretch frame section is preferably supported by the structural support frame section in a suspended position vertically spaced from the base of the structural support section. This vibrationally isolates the stretch frame, and prevents vibration from being directly transferred from the stretch frame to the base or ground. As such, vibration from the stretch frame is only transmitted directly to the selected muscle groups of the user through contact by the user with the leverage points of the stretch frame, rather than being transmitted through the user's entire body via the base of ground.

The exercise device may further comprise a vibration damper arranged to vibrationally isolate the stretch support frame from the ground. This may comprise a plurality of feet, a vibrationally insulating material layer such as rubber, or any other suitable damping means.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following illustrative figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exercise device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise device of claim 1; and

FIG. 3 is a side view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 with the interchangeable stretch frame removed.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exercise device 10 is provided to assist a person in performing stretching exercises to stretch muscles and joints prior to exercise and increase flexibility. The exercise device 10 comprises a stretch support frame 4 and a vibrator 20.

The stretch support frame 4 comprises a structural support section 6 and a stretch frame section 8. The structural support section 6 comprises an upright support member 9 and a base section 11. The base section 11 is connected to the upright structural support frame member 9 and is configured to provide sufficient counterbalance to maintain the upright member 9 in a vertical position. The upright member 9 is connected at its lower end to the base section 11 and at its upper distal end to the stretch frame section 8.

The stretch frame section 8 comprises a plurality of elongate frame members 14 and 15 which provide multiple leverage points for engagement by a user to perform stretching exercises. Specifically, the leverage points counterbalance the force applied to the frame section by a user, and different limbs and parts of a user, to cause the targeted muscle group to elongate and stretch. The outer frame member 14 is curved along its length to provide multiple leverage points 14 a-f of varying height and orientation. The curvature of the frame member 14 is such that it extends in three directions planes (X,Y,Z) to allow a user to perform stretching exercises in three directional planes of motion. The stretch frame 8 connects at its uppermost point to the structural support section 6, and is supported and suspended therefrom such that it is vertically spaced from the base 11. When viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 1, the upright member 9 is centrally positioned relative to the width of the stretch frame 8, and the stretch frame 8 is symmetrically arranged either side of the upright member 9, such that its weight is evenly distributed either side of its connection point 22 with the upright member 9.

The connection point 22 comprises a releasable connector 23 for permitting releasable connection of the stretch frame 8 to the structural support section 6. FIG. 3 shows the structural support section 6 with the stretch frame 8 disconnected. A plurality of interchangeable stretch frames 8 are provided, each having a different frame configuration defining a unique arrangement of leverage points corresponding to varying stretching exercises. This modular arrangement enables the exercise device to be modified to suit different uses. For example, a first stretch frame 8 may be provided having a frame configuration corresponding to stretching exercises suitable for general fitness training, and a second stretch frame may be provided having a configuration corresponding to stretching exercises specifically designed for rowers.

Several different stretch frames 8 may therefore be provided for connection to the universal structural support section 6, thereby enabling varied the use of the exercise device 10 as required. Similarly, this arrangement enables a manufacturer to provide a range of stretching exercise devices 10 to suit several different stretching exercise programmes based on a universal, and therefore easily mass produced, structural support section 6, to which the customer defined interchangeable stretch frame 8 is connected.

The frame member 14 may be gripped or otherwise engaged anywhere along its length by a user to perform a variety of stretching exercises. As such, multiple stretch support leverage points are ergonomically arranged and defined along the frame member 14, including leverage points 14 a and f which are positioned at a suitable height to gripped by a user reaching upwards, 14 b and e which are arranged to be gripped by a user with their arms horizontally outstretched, and 14 c and d which may be gripped by a user with their arms extending downwards or which may provide a support for an upwardly extended foot or leg. Horizontal frame members 15 a-c interconnect the opposing end portions of the frame section 14. The frame members 15 a-c are ergonomically arranged and positioned at varying heights and define leverage points against which the user may for example rest their feet on or push their feet against while performing leg stretching exercises.

A vibrator 20 is mounted to the upright member 9 of the stretch support frame 4. The vibrator is fixed to the upright member 9 such that is vertically spaced from the base 11. The vibrator 20 comprises a body section 24 a movable vibration element 26. The body 24 houses a vibration mechanism (not shown) comprising a motor and a rotary device which is driven by the motor. The rotary device includes an offset weight member, which creates an imbalanced loading such that rotation of the rotary device by the electric motor causes vibration of the vibration element.

The stretch frame section 8 is connected to the vibration element 26. Preferably the stretch frame section 8 is releasably connected to the vibration element 26 by a clamp (not shown). Vibration is directly transferred from the vibrator 20 to the stretch frame section 8 causing the stretch frame section 8 to vibrate. The stretch frame section 8 is suspended such that it is vertically spaced from the base 11 and the ground to isolate the vibration of the stretch frame section 8 from the base 11 and from the ground.

The connector 23 may also include a vibration damper, to prevent vibration from the stretch frame section 8 being transmitted back down the upright member 9 of the structural support frame 6. In addition, the mounting of the vibrator 20 to the upright member 9 at a vertically spaced location from the base 11 provides further vibration isolation by preventing direct connection between the vibrator 20 and the base 11.

The base 11 includes a base plate 16 which includes a vibration damper 18 such as a rubber pad or other suitable material layer. The base 11 also includes feet 19 which allow the base 11 to be levelled, and also vibrationally isolate the base 11 from the ground. Other vibration dampers or isolating arrangements may be provided to isolate the base 11 and in particular base plate 11 from the stretch support frame 4. In particular dampers may be provided between the upright member 9 and base section 11. Vibration dampers may also be provided between the structural support section 6 and upright section 9. As a result vibration from the vibrator 20 is preferably only transmitted to the stretch frame section 8 and the remainder of the device is thereby vibrationally isolated from the vibrator 20 and vibration.

In use the user stands on the base plate 16, which is positioned such that all of the leverage points of the stretch frame section 8 are within reach of the user's arms and/or legs when standing on the base plate 16. The vibrator 20 is activated and controlled by a controller 30 including a user interface 32. The controller 30 is configured to control the frequency and magnitude of vibration created by the vibrator 20. The controller 30 also controls the period of vibration, and may include algorithms for activating pre-selected vibration programmes corresponding to specified stretching exercise programmes. The user interface 32 may display information relating to the frequency, magnitude and period of vibration, as well as any stretching programme selected. The interface 32 may also display instructional information relating to the stretching exercises to be performed.

The stretch frame 8 may be utilised in the inactivate state for passive muscle stretching. However, to increase the effectiveness of the stretch, and decrease the required stretching time, the vibrator 20 is activated. Activation of the vibrator 20 by the controller 30 causes vibration to be transferred directly to the stretch frame 8. The user is initially isolated from the vibrations while standing on the base plate 16, prior to their engagement with the stretch frame 8 by the base plate vibration damper 18, the vertical spacing of the vibrator 20 from the base 11, and the suspension of the stretch frame 8 such that it is vertically spaced and isolated from the base 11.

To perform a stretching exercise, the user engages one or more selected leverage points 14 a-f, 15 a-c on the stretch frame 8, against which they push or pull to stretch a selected muscle group. When the user engages the selected leverage point or points 14 a-f, 15 a-c the vibrations from the stretch frame 8 are transferred directly from the stretch frame 8 to the selected limb or limbs of the user engaged with the stretch frame 8. The vibration is hence transmitted directly to the selected muscle group being stretched. The vibration causes the muscle to involuntarily relax, thereby enabling an improved stretch, and reducing the time required for said stretch. The magnitude and frequency of vibration is controlled such that the vibration is substantially dissipated by the stretched muscle group preventing significant transmitting further into the body.

Targeting and transmitting vibration directly from the stretch frame 8 to the selected muscle group(s) therefore prevents the vibration from being unnecessarily transmitted through the entire body of the user, as in the case of vibration plate devices, thereby mitigating or obviating the effects of vibration on the user's organs.

It will be appreciated that in further embodiments various modifications to the specific arrangements described above and shown in the drawings may be made. For example, while a specific stretch frame configuration is described, the stretch frame may be any suitable structure providing a plurality of leverage points for assisting stretching. In addition, the structural support section may be any structure suitable for supporting the stretch frame in a manner which enables it to vibrate in use. Furthermore, while the base plate is describes as forming part of the structural support section, the user may alternatively stand on a separate base which is not connected to the structural support section or the stretch frame. 

1. An exercise device for assisting stretching exercises, the device comprising: a stretch support frame configured to define a plurality of fixed leverage points for engagement by a user to perform stretching exercises; a vibrator operatively connected to said stretch support frame to vibrate the frame such that vibrations are transferred from the frame to the user when the user engages one or more of said leverage points to increase the efficacy of said stretching exercises; and a base for supporting the user during said stretching exercises, wherein base is vibrationally isolated from vibrator and/or the stretch support frame.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the vibrator is mounted to the stretch support frame.
 3. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein the vibrator is mounted to the stretch support frame such that it is vertically spaced from the base.
 4. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a base plate for supporting the user during said stretching exercises.
 5. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the stretch support frame is mounted from the base.
 6. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a vibration damper for vibrationally isolating said base from the stretch support frame.
 7. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the stretch support frame comprises a plurality of stretch support members ergonomically arranged at a plurality of different vertical positions and/or horizontal positions and/or orientations to define said plurality of leverage points.
 8. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a controller for selectively varying the frequency and/or magnitude and/or period of vibration of the vibrator.
 9. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the stretch support frame comprises a stretch frame section defining said plurality of leverage points and a structural support frame section connected to and supporting said stretch frame section.
 10. The exercise device of claim 9 wherein said stretch frame section is releasably connected to said structural support frame section and is selectively interchangeable with a plurality of alternative stretch frame sections each defining a different arrangement of leverage points.
 11. The exercise device of claim 9 wherein the vibrator is mounted to the structural support frame section.
 12. The exercise device of claim 11 wherein the vibrator is vibrationally isolated from the structural support frame section.
 13. The exercise device of claim 9 wherein the vibrator is connected to the stretch frame section.
 14. The exercise device of claim 13 further comprising a clamp for releasably connecting the vibrator to the stretch frame section.
 15. The exercise device of claim 9 wherein the stretch frame section is supported by the structural support frame section in a suspended position vertically spaced from the base.
 16. The exercise device of claim 9 wherein the structural support frame section mounted to the base.
 17. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a vibration damper arranged to vibrationally isolate the stretch support frame from the ground.
 18. An exercise device for assisting stretching exercises, the device comprising: a stretch support frame configured to define a plurality of fixed leverage points for engagement by a user to perform stretching exercises; and a vibrator operatively connected to said stretch support frame to vibrate the frame such that vibrations are transferred from the frame to the user when the user engages one or more of said leverage points to increase the efficacy of said stretching exercises.
 19. The exercise device of claim 18 further comprising a base for supporting the user during said stretching exercises, wherein base is vibrationally isolated from vibrator and/or the stretch support frame.
 20. The exercise device of claim 18 wherein the vibrator is mounted to the stretch support frame. 